POLICE are investigating an accident on a hospital ward which led to the death of a patient.
Officers were called in by the coroner after 53-year-old John Biggadike died following a fall at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
It is believed that Mr Biggadike, of Third Avenue, Spalding, was due to undergo physiotherapy treatment at the time of the accident.
He had been in the hospital for five weeks and last Tuesday – when the accident occurred – was the first day of his physiotherapy.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “At approximately 1.15pm on Tuesday, April 10, Lincolnshire Police were notified by the coroner’s officer of the death of a 53-year-old Spalding man.
“A joint investigation is currently being undertaken by Lincolnshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.”
It is possible the Health and Safety Executive’s investigation could take up to two years to complete.
A spokesman for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, confirmed the incident had taken place on ward 8A.
She said: “We immediately reported the incident to the Health and Safety Executive and the coroner, who has requested a police investigation.
“Until the outcome of any investigation we cannot comment any further.”
Divorcee Mr Biggadike, who went to Gleed Boys’ School, was a labourer who had previously worked for Pinchbeck firm A Coupland (Surfacing) Ltd.
Director Phillip Coupland said yesterday: “John worked for the firm for many years and brought a smile to all who worked with him.
“He was truly one of the characters from the old school. With his quirky ways and somewhat dry sense of humour he would have all the boys in stitches.
“When it came to work, though, it has to be said that no one would put in more effort than John.”
Mr Biggadike was a fan of Northern Soul music, boxing, football and cricket.
He lived with his brother Keith. Their mother, Freda, lived with them up until her death last October.